Hurried Child Syndrome in Schools: A Blessing or Curse? Understanding the Causes and Implications on the Well-Being of the Hurried Child in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose The practice of hurrying children through schools by parents and guardians has become a contemporary social problem in Nigeria. This study is an attempt to underscore the causes and consequences of hurried child syndrome in schools and how they affect the well-being and development of the hurried children in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Materials and methods Thirty-one participants were selected for the study, using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically with the use of NVivo 9. Results Findings revealed that a weak educational policy, proliferation of private schools, busy parents/guardians, and desire to train children before retirement were some of the causes of hurried child syndrome; while depression, anxiety, and poor academic performance were some of its implications on the well-being of the child. Discussion The practice of the hurried child syndrome was seen to have negative implications on the well-being and development of the child. The study findings revealed that most hurried children suffer anxiety, and depression and feel unworthy when they fail to fulfill the expectations of their parents. Conclusion School counselors, health educators, school social workers, and concerned stakeholders should sensitize the public to the dangers associated with the practice of hurried child syndrome. They should also work toward revamping the educational policies and ensure that all schools (private and public) play by the rules. This will help reduce the practice of hurried child syndrome as well as its negative implications on the well-being of the children.